Being a leader in an evolving manufacturing industry means embrasing moder technology as part of your stategy. Implementing manufacturing ERP software to integrate and automate your processes is a must to remain competitive.
According to the Aberdeen Group’s newest Whitepaper, the manufacturing industry is in a state of flux.
Author Nick Castellina, Vice President and Research Group Director, Business Planning and Execution at the Aberdeen Group, says that manufacturers looking to succeed need to understand that “Industry 4.0 is here”. Industry 4.0 is the concept of combining automation of manufacturing processes with analytics through technologies such as cloud, analytics, and the Internet of Things, thus increasing efficiency and productivity.
The question becomes how can you successfully adopt technologies without disruption to your daily operations in the process? According to Castellina, the answer lies in implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution and manufacturing ERP software.
Read the full report on cloud manufacturing and what it can mean for your business. Donwload the free Whitepaper, “ERP’s Role in the Modern Manufacturer”.
Leaders, Followers, and the difference cloud manufacturing can make
In the Whitepaper, Castellina separates manufacturing businesses into two categories: Leaders and Followers. Leaders were the top 35% of the 130 respondents based on their delivery competency, inventory accuracy, and the improvement in profitability and productivity they experienced over the past two years. Those placed in the Leader category cited the following strategies as ways to improve their operations and how they “compete” in Industry 4.0:
- Streamline and accelerate processes to improve efficiency and productivity
- Modernize technology infrastructure and applications
- Optimize the supply chain and improving interoperability and collaboration
Castellina says the combination of these strategies along with servicing and growing customers “are the keys to success in the modern manufacturing environment.”
And the foundation for all of these strategies is an ERP. Eighty-three percent (83%) of the surveyed manufacturers have implemented an ERP solution. Interestingly, the type of manufacturing ERP they chose seemed to influence their status as a Leader or as a Follower. Case in point, 31% of Leaders selected cloud manufacturing versus only 10% of Followers; Leaders tended to skip traditional on-premise models.
Acumatica customer and President of Ray Allen Manufacturing, Steve Cates can attest to the difference cloud manufacturing makes. Ray Allen Manufacturing, established in 1948, offers professional K-9 equipment. For the company to continue growing, Cates recognized the need to let go of their legacy system and embrace new technology. Acumatica’s manufacturing ERP software, along with our unlimited user licensing model, was the perfect fit.
“The benefits since we’ve been on Acumatica have been vast,” Cates says.
The manufacturing company experienced a high return on investment (ROI). Read the full case study on Ray Allen Manufacturing.
With success stories such as this, the benefits of modernizing operations through the cloud and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) ERP are clear and manufacturers who recognize them are profiting big time.
Leading manufacturers understand the benefits of cloud manufacturing
As Castellina points out, the ERP you choose must “support the technologies that enable faster access to more useful data that enables efficient, agile, and automated processes.” Cloud solutions, such as Acumatica’s MRP ERP solution, give you the ability to take care of business whenever you need from any location, including international operations. These solutions also provide real-time data from a configurable dashboard, customization, and continuous updates from your software vendor. It enables you to easily stay abreast of new best practices and regulations.
Additionally, sixty-nine percent (69%) of Leaders have integrated business analytics into their cloud manufacturing ERP of choice. This allows them the ability to fully utilize their data. The report says that “analyzing the effectiveness of processes, determining profit trends, and monitoring customer data can lead to better more insightful decision that will positively impact the bottom line.”
Technology is going to continue to change and your ERP solution must be able to keep up.
Use ERP and manufacturing ERP software to become a Leader
Leading manufacturers are realizing that the many changes in the industry are influencing their profitability. By adopting cloud solutions such as Acumatica and MRP ERP, they provide innovative products and exceptional service .
This is only a brief overview of what the report has to say. Read it in full: ERP’s Role in the Modern Manufacturer.
Questions? Contact our team at CompuTec Integrated Solutions– we want to be your partner as you revolutionize your manufacturing business. Implementing our manufacturing ERP software may be the key you need to become a Leader in the industry.